Amalgamator machine and method



N v- 1931. A. R. MORRISON 1,830,125

AMALGAMATOH MACHINE AND METHOD Filed Nov. 23, 1928 In ventor Al on R; HOP/180i? I y S i M Attorney Patented Nov. 3, 1931 ALAN R. MORRISON, E SPQKMIE, WQfiHTtFGTQhT AMALGAMATOR MACHINE AND ME'EHQD Application filed November 23, 1928.

My invention relates to amalgamator machines and methods and the primary objects of the invention are to provide an eliicient means and method for separating gold from a sand gravel or crushed ore. In carrying out these objects the ground auriferous material mixed with a solution of saltand water is passed through brass pipes of a machine wherein electrodes are installed for the pur in pose of converting some of the brine into chlorine gas. The gold bearing material is attacked by the chlorine gas which converts the gold into a soluble chloride thus separating it from the sand, gravel or crushed 1 ore. The circulatory action of the machine is carried on by a rotary pum which forces the brine, carrying the gold and dress, through a tank of mercury. The gold is amalgamated and retained by the mercury while the tailings are carried ofi b mechanical means, and the circulation 0 brine is continuous as hereinafter more fully de scribed.

With the above and other objects in view which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention consists of the novel method, construction, adaptation, combination and arrangement of parts as more fully hereinafter described and claimed. These objects are accomplished by devices illustrated in the accompanying drawings; wherein Fi ure 1 is a plan view of the'rnachine which I use in carrying out my method;

Fig. 2 is a view in side elevation of the same with parts shown in section;

Fig. 3 is a view in transverse section taken substantially on a broken line 3, 3 of Fig. 1; and

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary detail view showing the bafiie plate mounted in the delivery chute.

Referring to the drawings throughout which like reference numerals designate like parts. the numeral 5 indicates a combustion chains in outline which furnishes the motive power for the machine although it will be understood that same may be driven by any sour e of power desired. The numeral 6 indicates the main shaft of the machine which Serial No. 321,3M.

is driven by said engine. Said main shaft operates a rotary pump 7- from whic 8 extends and doubles back upon form a coil as clearly shown in the ings. Electrodes 9 are installed within eamh length of said pipe for reasons hereina ter set forth.

The remote end of the pipe 8 extends downwardly at 3.6 into a tank 1?. which serves as a container for bath of mercury as designated by the numeral 12. Said is sealed with the exception of an upwardly slanting delivery chute 8 which empties into a discharge hopperle and rests on the top edge thereof by means of a lip 15. it. bafie plate 16 is mounted in said chute by means of insulator blocks 1'? and said befits plate is irovided with cleats 18 for reasons hereinafter stated.

A conveyor casing 19 extends upwardly from the bottom of the ho per 14 endless conveyor member 20 installed travels around a drum 2]. at its outer and around a drum 22 at its inner or b. end. A pulley mounted on the the latter named drum ezrteriorl is driven by a pulley 25 keyed to an aimiliary shaft 26 and said auxiliary shaft is driven by a belt 2'? from the main shai t ii.

A return pipe 28 extends from the hopper 14; back to the rotary pump Z thus complc the circuit as will be understood. receiving hopper 29 with its lower end communicating with said pipe furnishes .means for feed-- ing material to the herein described circulatory system as presently set forth.

The source of electricity for supplying current is taken from a generator 30 which is operated by a belt 31 from the auxiliary shaft 26. A cable connection 32 from said genen atcr is grounded on the machine at 33 and another cable as with shunts supplies our rent/to each of the electrodes 9. An eaten." sion cable 36 carries the current to the plate 16.

In the operation of my device the auriilei ous material, after being ground or otherwise pulverized, is fed into the hopper 29 with a mixture of brine consisting of oneo uarter 

